New Milford High School

860-350-6647 Mr. Greg Shugrue, Pr incipal

Mrs. Liz Curtis, Asst. Pr incipal

Ms. Linda Scoralick, Asst. Pr incipal

Mr. Eric Williams, Asst. Pr incipal

New Milford Public Schools

50 East Street

New Milford, CT 06776

860-355-8406

www.newmilfordps.org

Sarah Noble Intermediate School

860-210-4020 Mrs. Anne Bilko, Pr incipal

Mrs. Jennifer Chmielewski, Asst. Pr incipal

Mrs. Jennifer Hankla, Asst. Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Meyers, Asst. Pr incipal

Hill & Plain Elementary School

860-354-5430 Mrs. Paula Kelleher, Pr incipal

Mrs. Jennifer Hankla, Asst. Principal

Northville Elementary School

860-355-3713 Mrs. Susan Murray, Pr incipal

Mrs. Barbara Nanassy, Asst. Pr incipal

V o l u m e 8 , I s s u e 3 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 7

Spotlight on New Milford Schools

Schaghticoke Middle School

860-354-2204 Dr. Christopher Longo, Pr incipal

Mrs. Kerri Adakonis, Asst. Pr incipal Mrs. Jennifer Delaney, Asst. Principal

Mrs. Barbara Nanassy, Asst. Pr incipal

Meet New Milford’s 2017-18 Teacher of the Year

Each year, parents, students and fellow staff members are invited to

nominate a teacher for selection as New Milford’s Teacher of the Year.

The nominee must have taught in the district for five or more years and

have demonstrated continued excellence of performance during his/

her tenure. A Selection Committee then considers all the nominees

based on the following guidelines:

• Demonstrated ability to inspire enthusiasm and motivation for

learning in students.

• Demonstrated use of effective teaching techniques, flexibility of

style, innovation, and creativity.

• Caring relationships with students.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional growth

and development.

• Respect and admiration of students, colleagues, parents, and

administration.

• Personal philosophy and goals.

• Ability to articulate ideas clearly.

The Committee was pleased to select Mrs. Denise Duggan as this year’s

New Milford Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Duggan has been a teacher at

New Milford High School since 1996. During that time, she has taught

classes in Health Education, Medical Technology, Emergency Medical

Technician (EMT), Sports Medicine and Physical Education. She holds

a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education and Master’s Degrees in

P a g e 2

Exercise Science, Human Performance and Educational Leadership. She has served on dis-

trict and town-wide committees including the Wellness Committee, Professional Growth

and Development Committee, and Curriculum Council. She is advisor to the student group

HOSA (Health Occupations of America) and the National Honor Society; has been a class

advisor, summer school and adult education administrator; and a mentor for colleagues

and student teachers. Mrs. Duggan donates her time to the New Milford Cares Initiative,

working to support youth in crisis.

Prior to beginning her teaching career, Mrs. Duggan worked as a registered nurse. “I wit-

nessed health care first hand, and saw the need for educating people to become health

consumers, and to teach them about wellness and prevention. After I became a teacher, I

was given the opportunity to teach the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) class. This was so

important to me because students would be able to experience the nursing profession in

high school and decide if it was the career for them. I also became an EMT so I could create

and teach the EMT class and encourage young men and women to join the health care field

as a profession. I feel it is my job to make them ready to care for patients the way I would

want someone to care for me or one of my loved ones.”

Students taking the CNA and EMT classes must complete required clinical hours, which

happen after school and on weekends through community connections to the local ambu-

lance company and health care facilities. Mrs. Duggan says this speaks volumes about the

students’ commitment. Mrs. Duggan also teaches the CNA class to Adult Education

students. “In many cases, this program changes lives and gives students health care and

a much-needed paycheck to help them support their families. I had one student who

worked at a local nursing home and later went on to college to get her nursing degree. I

was at the local nursing home when she came in her cap and gown the day of her gradua-

tion to show residents she graduated. These are not just opportunities for employment,

they become family to the residents. In a similar case, the members of the Ambulance

crew also become like family and nurture and encourage one another through tough calls

and very long days and nights.”

Mrs. Duggan speaks passionately about teaching Health in general. “Students are at a very

tumultuous time in their lives and have some tough decisions to make. In Health we cover

very important topics such as nutrition, mental health, sexuality, and substance use and

abuse. In health care, there are jobs today that did not exist when I first entered the profes-

sion. In class, we give students an opportunity to problem solve and explore their education

together as peers, with teachers as resources and mentors. We are no longer teaching

specific skills and knowledge. My students need to think on their feet, especially in clinical

where circumstances don’t always come right out of the textbook and they need to make

decisions. They need to develop the skills they will use for future endeavors.”

Colleagues speak of Mrs. Duggan’s ability to lead by example, her passion for education and

for her students, and the grace and poise she demonstrates at all times. Superintendent

Joshua Smith says “Mrs. Duggan represents the best in all of us. Over the past twenty years,

her work in our schools and community as a Health teacher has quite literally saved lives.

Empathy, knowledge, and purpose are components of all that she does.”

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Convocation: Viewing Students Through Different Lenses

On August 28, all district staff gathered in the New Milford High School theatre for the

annual convocation, officially opening the new school year. Superintendent Joshua Smith

took to the stage reminding those present that, “In a few short days our doors will open to

thousands of students. You are the faces that will greet them each day, who they will talk

about over dinner, and whose words and

actions will impact them long after they

leave our hallways.”

Mr. Smith shared the district’s Core Beliefs,

which were developed through a broad com-

munity conversation several years ago dur-

ing the process of Strategic Planning. These

core beliefs were reviewed by the Board of

Education this summer and affirmed as part

of their summer workshop. They form the

base for the district’s work which Superin-

tendent Smith said is always focused on the

student.

In reviewing how the district understands and responds to stu-

dents, Mr. Smith said it is helpful to look through three lenses:

academics, aspiration, and a student’s sense of belonging.

“We probably spend the most time looking through the lens of

academics and while it is an extremely important one, we see all

lenses as equally important. If students don’t feel connected to

their learning or are not able to find a purpose in it, they will fall

short of their academic potential.”

To guide this work, the administrative team has developed, and the Board of Education has

approved, four Theories of Action listed below.

IF we develop a commitment to student learning and achievement over a com-

pliance to directives, THEN students will learn in a more flexible and adaptive

environment.

IF we develop a student centered culture of achievement, belonging, and trust

THEN all students will be better prepared for lifelong success.

IF we develop administrative instructional capacity and teacher leadership

opportunities, THEN a culture of professional learners will foster more collab-

orative efforts to support student learning.

IF we create learning experiences that support student aspirations for life

beyond school THEN students will graduate with the knowledge and skills to

meet the demands of the 21st century.

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Mr. Smith asked the teachers and other staff members present to reflect on how the words

and concepts in each of these statements apply to the school they work in or the role they

play in our district. “School is about growing up. Students will spend about 16,380 waking

hours within our walls. That is a long time to spend on something without thinking about

what you are going to do with all of it. Our students are better students when they have a

reason to come. When they do come, they should feel a sense of belonging in a safe place

that is welcoming to all.”

In closing, Mr. Smith talked about the importance of being able to answer the question

why. “We should be able to say to parents, students, business owners and community mem-

bers: this is what happens in our schools and why we do what we do. Like a river through a

canyon, our work often takes time before we can see results, and the effect we have on our

students may not be immediate, but together we will change the landscape.”

Special thanks to Mr. David Syzdek and the

NMHS Band for helping to warm up the

crowd at convocation. The Band performed

several brief numbers including a sneak peek

of this year’s show. Here they are caught in a

warm up of their own before the crowd enters.

P a g e 5

Mrs. Cara Abraham

Social Studies teacher, New Milford High School

Mrs. Abraham earned her BS and MS in History at WCSU. She has previ-

ously taught in Bethel and Brookfield public schools and was a long term

substitute at New Milford High School last year.

Mrs. Rebecca Appleby

Paraeducator, Hill and Plain Elementary School

A New Milford High School graduate, Mrs. Appleby has worked in the Dan-

bury and Brookfield schools and as a long term substitute at a private school

in West Haven.

Mrs. Michele Biondi

Paraeducator, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Biondi has previous experience as an office manager and has been a

volunteer for PTO and Girl Scouts.

Mrs. Maria Brito

Spanish teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Brito earned her AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Naugatuck

Valley Community College and BS in Secondary Spanish Education from

WCSU. She has worked previously as a Spanish teacher at New Fairfield

Middle School and as a Spanish tutor at WCSU.

Ms. Amanda Cianciola

Grade 1 teacher, Northville Elementary School

Ms. Cianciola attended Quinnipiac University where she earned her BA in

Psychology and MA in Elementary Education. She has taught in the

Bridgeport and Cheshire public schools and tutored at a private school in

New Haven.

P a g e 6

Mr. Jonathan Cole, Jr. Maintainer/Plumber, New Milford High School

Mr. Cole completed the Henry Abbott Tech Plumbing and Heating program

in 2013 and has worked as a licensed plumber in Bethel for four years.

Mrs. Susan Comito Spanish teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Comito holds a BS in Spanish from Charter Oak State College and MA

in Spanish from CCSU. She has taught in the Litchfield, Southington, and

Torrington public schools. She has also worked as an English teacher in

Spain.

Ms. Priscilla Correa Custodian, New Milford High School

Ms. Correa is joining the custodial staff full-time after working as a substitute

custodian for the district.

Ms. Lisa Crowley Mathematics teacher, New Milford High School

Ms. Crowley earned a BSED and MSED in Mathematics from CCSU. Most

recently, Ms. Crowley taught Mathematics at Litchfield High School. Before

Litchfield, Ms. Crowley spent nine years at New Milford High School.

Mrs. Sara D’Amico

Science teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. D’Amico holds a BA in Communications Sciences from UConn, a BA in

Biology from WCSU, and an MA in Education from the University of Bridge-

port. She previously taught eighth grade Science in Bethel.

Mr. Pierre de St. Croix

Technology Education teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mr. de St. Croix’s educational background includes an AS in Math, Science

and Engineering from College of the Sequioas, CA and a BA in Geology and

MEd Secondary Geoscience Education from the University of CA, Davis.

He has previously taught middle school science and math in California,

Virginia, North Carolina and Connecticut.

P a g e 7

Mr. Marc DiNicola

Paraeducator, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mr. DiNicola has worked previously as a paraeducator and as a substitute

teacher in Region 15.

Ms. Ashley Dovale

Bilingual teacher, Sarah Noble Intermediate School

Ms. Dovale attended WCSU where she received a BS in Elementary Educa-

tion with a concentration in Spanish and MS in Bilingual Education. She

has worked as a grade 3 bilingual teacher in Waterbury public schools and

as an ESL tutor in Danbury. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Ms. Oligerta Gjoka

Mathematics teacher, New Milford High School

Ms. Gjoka earned her BS in Mathematics from the University of Natural

Sciences in Albania and her MS in Mathematics and Education from the

University of Bridgeport. She has previously worked as a private tutor in

Greenwich and as a high school mathematics teacher in Bridgeport.

Mrs. Melissa Healy

Special Education teacher, Faith Academy

Mrs. Healy has her AA in Elementary Education from Broward Community

College, BS in Behavioral Studies from the University of Hartford, and MS

in Inclusion Education from the University of New England. She has previ-

ously worked as a special education teacher in several schools in CT.

Mr. Dennis Johnson

Technology Education teacher, New Milford High School

Mr. Johnson attended CCSU where he received a BS and MA in Technology

Education. He has worked as an industrial arts/technology education teach-

er for over twenty years in CT schools in West Hartford, New Britain, Willi-

mantic, Pawcatuck, Hartford and East Granby.

Ms. Amelia Lakoff-Paquette

Music teacher, Northville Elementary School

Ms. Lakoff-Paquette earned her BFA in General Music from Concordia

University. She has previously taught in New York. Prior to teaching

music, Ms. Lakoff-Paquette worked in New York City as a professional

opera singer.

P a g e 8

Mr. Michael Lau

Mathematics teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mr. Lau received his BS in Mathematics and MA in Curriculum and Instruc-

tion from UConn. He has worked as a long term substitute in Fairfield and

Ridgefield schools.

Mrs. Holly Mackey

EXCEL Special Education teacher, Northville Elementary School

Mrs. Mackey earned her BS in Early Childhood Education at the Universi-

ty of Hartford and MS in Reading at WCSU. She has previously taught

preschool, kindergarten and grade 3 for Ridgefield public schools.

Ms. Tara McCabe

Paraeducator, Schaghticoke Middle School

Ms. McCabe has been a substitute paraeducator for the New Milford Public

Schools for several years.

Mr. Peter Miserendino

Physics teacher, New Milford High School

Mr. Miserendino received his BS in Physics from the City University of

New York/Lehman College and his MA in Education from Sacred Heart

University. He has interned and been a substitute teacher in New Milford

Public Schools and is a volunteer at the John J. McCarthy Observatory.

Mrs. Nina Money

German teacher, New Milford High School

Mrs. Money has a BA in History from Durham University in Durham, Eng-

land with additional credits in French from the University of Louisiana. She

received her German/French teaching certification through the Alternate

Route to Certification program. Mrs. Money attended high school in Ger-

many and taught foreign language to adults in Paris before coming to the United States. She

is fluent in German and French and has worked as a substitute teacher in Kent.

Mrs. Jennifer Muliolis

Paraeducator, Hill and Plain Elementary School

Mrs. Muliolis has past experience in the fields of child care and mental

health care.

P a g e 9

Mrs. Jillian Murphy

Paraeducator, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Murphy has previous experience working as a paraeducator at the

Sherman School and as a substitute paraeducator for New Milford Public

Schools.

Mrs. Lisa Prontelli

Paraeducator, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Prontelli has been a reading and special education tutor for New Mil-

ford Public Schools and previously worked in New York as an academic

interventionist.

Mrs. Laura Ramdin

English teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Ramdin earned her BA in English from the University of Georgia and

her MS in Secondary English Education from Queens College. She holds an

Advanced Certification in Gifted Education from Hunter College. Mrs.

Ramdin has previously taught middle school grades in New York.

Mrs. Megan Rochford

Special Education teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Rochford received her BA in Psychology from College of Mount Saint

Vincent and holds an MS in Special Education with a concentration in Au-

tism from C.W. Post Long Island University. She has previously worked in

schools in New York and Connecticut.

Ms. Lindsay Rodriguez

Grade 1 teacher, Northville Elementary School

Ms. Rodriguez attended Sacred Heart University where she earned her BS in

Psychology and MA in Elementary Education. She has previously taught ele-

mentary school in Massachusetts.

Mr. Daniel Savo

Social Studies teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mr. Savo holds a BA in History and MSEd in Education and Curriculum

from UConn. He has worked as a substitute teacher in Danbury, Monroe,

and most recently as a long term substitute in New Milford.

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Ms. Shayna Sexton

Kindergarten teacher, Northville Elementary School

A New Milford High School graduate, Ms. Sexton is a recent graduate of

UConn where she earned a BS in Elementary Education and MA in Curric-

ulum and Instruction. She student taught in East Hartford before working

as a Literacy Interventionist in Willington public schools.

Ms. Kathryn Shaw

Kindergarten teacher, Hill and Plain Elementary School

Ms. Shaw has a BS in Health Education from WCSU and MS in Elementary

Education from the University of Bridgeport. She has worked as an intern

and long term substitute for kindergarten in Region 10 and Region 15.

Mrs. Tammy Siegle

Library Clerk, Sarah Noble Intermediate School

Mrs. Siegle has been a volunteer and substitute for the New Milford Public

Schools for several years.

Ms. Christine Sinisi Special Education teacher, New Milford High School

Ms. Sinisi has a BS in Education/Spanish from Georgian Court University

and MS in Special Education from the University of St. Joseph. She has

worked previously in West Hartford and Region 15.

Ms. Jennifer Smith

Administrative Secretary, Fiscal Services

Ms. Smith has previous experience in support administration for financial

services, in customer service, and as a receptionist.

Mrs. Cynthia Steele-Pucci

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, District-wide

Mrs. Steele-Pucci has an AS in Liberal Arts from Roger Williams Universi-

ty, BA in Psychology from UConn, MS in Counseling from the University

of Bridgeport, and BCBA Certification from Manhattanville College. She

has been a licensed professional counselor in private practice for 15 years.

P a g e 1 1

Ms. Jessica Varley

Paraeducator, Hill and Plain Elementary School

Ms. Varley has previous experience in private child care and daycare.

Mrs. Rene Venezia

Special Education teacher, Sarah Noble Intermediate School

A New Milford High School graduate, Mrs. Venezia earned her BS in Ele-

mentary Education at the University of Rhode Island and MA in Moderate

Special Needs from Boston College. She has previously worked at schools

in Massachusetts and for the New Milford Public Schools as a paraeducator

and teacher.

Mrs. Jennifer Vincent

Special Education teacher, Schaghticoke Middle School

Mrs. Vincent attended Assumption College where she earned a BA in Social

and Rehab Services and the University of St. Joseph where she earned her

MA in Special Education with a cross endorsement in Elementary Educa-

tion. She has previously taught in Oxford, Wilton, and Milford schools.

Ms. Noelle Visconti

Kindergarten teacher, Northville Elementary School

Ms. Visconti received her BS in Elementary Education and MA in Curricu-lum and Instruction from UConn. She previously co-taught kindergarten at a charter school in New Haven.

“You’re off to great places,

today is your day,

your mountain is waiting,

so get on your way.”

~ Dr. Seuss

P a g e 1 2

Celebrating NMPS Staff

Throughout the 2017-18 school year, we will be publicly recognizing NMPS staff members for the good work they do to positively impact

our students and/or the community of New Milford and we would like you to help! Parents, students and

fellow staff members are invited to complete a short online form to nominate a NMPS staff member: whether it be a teacher, guidance

counselor, nurse, paraeducator, school psychologist, secretary, social worker, administrator,

cafeteria worker, custodian, coach or other support person of your choice. You are welcome to make a nomination at any time and for as many deserving staff members as you wish.

From all the forms submitted, six honorees will be selected each month, one

from each school and one non-school specific honoree. All honorees will be invited to attend the Board of Education monthly meeting for public congratu-lations where they will receive a star lapel pin as a small symbol in recognition

of their “star” qualities. In addition, thanks to our continuing partnership with Ingersoll Automotive of Danbury, one lucky honoree each month will be gifted at random with a courtesy car to drive for the month!

To kick-off this year’s program, we are celebrating a single, most deserving

honoree, Teacher of the Year Denise Duggan. Congratulations to Denise who will be driving back and forth to school this month in a brand new car.

We will be sure to keep you updated on the win-ners in future issues of Spotlight on New Milford Schools as we celebrate the stars among us. You can also see a listing of last year’s winners on the

Staff Recognition page of the district website.

P a g e 1 3 V o l u m e 8 , I s s u e 3

Board of Education Mr. David A. Lawson Chairperson Mr. Bill Dahl Vice Chairperson Mrs. Tammy McInerney Secretary Mr. Robert Coppola Assistant Secretary Mrs. Angela C. Chastain Mrs. Wendy Faulenbach

Mr. Dave Littlefield Mr. Brian McCauley Mr. J.T. Schemm

The mission of the New Milford Public Schools, a collaborative partnership of students, educators, family and community, is to prepare each and every student to compete and excel in an ever-changing world, embrace challenges with vigor, respect and

appreciate the worth of every human being, and contribute to society by providing effective instruction and dynamic curriculum, offering a wide range of valuable experiences, and inspiring students to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

New Milford Public Schools 50 East Street

New Milford, CT 06776

860-355-8406

Mr. Joshua Smith

Superintendent

Ms. Alisha DiCorpo

Assistant Superintendent

Ms. Ellamae Baldelli

Human Resources Director

Mr. Kevin Munrett

Facilities Director

Mr. Anthony Giovannone

Fiscal Services & Operations

Director

Mrs. Laura Olson

Pupil Personnel &

Special Services Director

Ms. Roberta Pratt

Technology Director

Mrs. Sandra Sullivan

Food Services Director

National Courtesy Month

September has been designated as National Courtesy Month to

remind us that good manners and watching out for others goes a

long way toward making the world a more cooperative and happy

place. We provide several suggestions below on how to celebrate,

courtesy of Reader’s Digest. You can see more online.

Let something little go.

Someone cut you off in traffic? Step on your foot in line? Take the

last dinner roll? Steal your pen? Instead of letting your anger fester,

make a conscious effort to forgive them and let it go.

Hold the door open for the person behind you.

Have you ever had a door shut in your face? Exactly. Even if you're

running late, take a moment to make the next person's day just a

little smoother.

Let someone cut ahead of you in line.

We've all been the person standing at the end of the long grocery

line holding just a gallon of milk. It's so frustrating! But more often,

we've all been the one with the full cart in front of them. So let that

person and their milk go in front of you. It'll take you two extra

minutes but will likely make their day.

Listen, without interrupting.

Go a whole conversation without talking about yourself. Ask the

other person questions about themselves and then genuinely

listen to their responses. You'll be amazed at how good it is for

both of you.

Call your mom. When was the last time you called your mom? Most moms love nothing more than hearing from their children so take a few minutes and give her a ring (and then call your dad!).

Visit a senior.

Got an elderly neighbor or relative nearby? Chances are they'd love

a visit or a call and you can check in and make sure they're okay.

Especially keep these folks in mind after a big event like a storm

or an accident nearby.

Say please and thank you. To everyone.

It's amazing how often we forget this little politeness and it seems

like the ones we most often drop our manners with are our friends

and family. So the next time someone does something for you, even

something little, remember to say thank you.